Assistant District Attorney

Location: Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska

The Utqiaġvik District Attorney’s Office is recruiting for an Assistant District Attorney to prosecute violations of criminal law. The work includes frequent trials, significant pre-trial motion practice, daily court hearings and some post-conviction and appellate work. You will need strong oral advocacy skills. Prior trial experience and experience in the practice of criminal law is a plus, but is not required. This position requires the ability to think critically and reason logically; the ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing; the ability to organize, prioritize, and work effectively in a deadline controlled atmosphere; and the ability to manage numerous matters simultaneously. This office is supervised by the Fairbanks District Attorney’s Office and is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the State of Alaska in the North Slope region, which includes Utqiaġvik and eight surrounding communities. Some travel within Alaska will be necessary.

This is a two-attorney office and, accordingly, it provides ample opportunity to acquire experience in a wide variety of criminal prosecutions, both misdemeanor and felony, in a short period of time. Assistant District Attorneys who fulfill a two year commitment in a rural location are given preference to transfer to other district attorney offices in the state as vacancies occur.  A rural commitment is a great way to acquire experience that is highly valued within the division.

Formerly known as Barrow, voters opted to return Utqiaġvik to its traditional Inupiaq name in 2016.  Situated on the Chukchi Sea, temperatures in Utqiaġvik are rarely the coldest in the state, although it does have the lowest average temperature. You can leave your umbrella at home, however, as Utqiaġvik is technically classified as a desert, enjoying only 5 inches of rainfall (or the snowfall equivalent) per year. Living in Utqiagvik you can observe whale hunting or the local high school football team, (appropriately named the Whalers) hosting in-state rivals on the northernmost AstroTurf field in the world. Life above the Arctic Circle offers polar bears, arctic foxes, views of the aurora borealis, snow-machining, and some wonderful birding opportunities.

As an Utqiaġvik Assistant District Attorney, you would discover the challenges and rewards of working for justice within this small, culturally-rich community.  This job would appeal to someone seeking a unique professional experience.